Description
Supercharged Tuna Mornay is a creamy, cheesy tuna casserole packed with nutritious ingredients like peas, corn, spinach, and pasta. This comforting Australian main course recipe features a rich mornay sauce made from scratch, combining cheddar and Parmesan cheese with a hint of Dijon mustard and spices. It’s baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a perfect family dinner option that’s both kid-friendly and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mornay Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in spring water, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas and corn mix
- 1/2 cup cooked macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup chopped baby spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the drained tuna, frozen peas and corn, cooked pasta, and baby spinach if using. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients in the sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the tuna mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the Tuna Mornay to cool slightly before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Swap the pasta with cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free or different grain option.
- Add chopped boiled eggs or grated zucchini to increase nutrition and texture variety.
- This dish is kid-friendly and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
